I consider books to be friends.  I have some very old and cherished friendships on various bookshelves throughout my home.  While wading through many delightful new books this month for Simple Short Christian Book Reviews, I also spent a good chunk of time with old friends (books I have read over and over again). 

Most especially The Zion Chronicles and The Zion Covenant by Brock and Bodie Thoene. Oh, the delight of spending time with treasured characters and places can hardly be described!  I try to read these series every couple of years.  While there were not as many excellent new books this month, the books that did make the list are exceptional in every way!  Many I already own and the ones I don’t are destined to be on my bookshelves very soon.  I am excited to share with you this month’s Simple Short Christian Book Reviews! 

 

Simple Short Christian Book Reviews

 

Homemaking

Declutter Like A Mother by Allie Casazza…Oh, wow, I really loved this book!  I admittedly love to organize and find the process helps to calm my disorganized brain to have my house in order.  Allie shows you how to do just that in a passionate and succinct way.  Each chapter is well written and to sum it up, she makes organizing your home easy.  Decluttering does not need to be hard, so get the book and lighten your load! *There are several swear words in this book.

 

Spiritual Growth 

Help, I’m Drowning Weathering the Storms of Life with Grace and Hope by Sally Clarkson is a treasure! Sometimes you come across a book that is so special, and so endearing, you just can’t put it down.  I read late into the night the day it arrived savoring every moment.  A really “great” book changes you and Help, I’m Drowning did that for me and it was a comfort too.    Reading was like sitting in a comfy chair and drinking tea with an old friend.  The conversation was, one of gently spoken, heartfelt words that in the end were transformative.  Hope and healing are the rewards of reading this book. Another must-read in a long line of books from Sally!

 

Historical Fiction 

The Historic Hotels Collection (3 books) includes Biltmore Girl, Sorrento Girl, and Palmer Girl. 

I don’t like silly and sappy Christian romance novels.  When I read a book, I am looking for an engaging storyline, yes, a bit of wholesome romance, and a whole lot of new and interesting things.  This enchanting and educational series really delivered the goods for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the Historic Hotels Collection which is set in different locations and time periods!  Enjoy!

Simple Short Christian Book Reviews

 

Lifestyle 

The Little Book of Cottagecore: Traditional Skills for a Simpler Life by Emily Kent is utterly charming and very practical.  If you want to learn new skills including how to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life then this book is for you.  Plus you also get to look at the lovely illustrations, a win-win in my book!

 
 

Handcrafts

Rag Rugs, Pillows, and More: over 30 Ways to Upcycle Fabric for the Home by Elspeth Jackson is an excellent tutorial on how to make multiple kinds of rag rugs.  My daughter made me a braided rug many years ago and it has worn like iron and is still right next to my bed.  She made it with sheets.  I wanted to learn how to do this myself and so the search led me to this exceptionally descriptive book.  The best one out there for learning how to make rugs! 

 

Children 

The Ology by Marty Machowski is magical and an absolute must-have in every home with children.  It is the best of its kind and I must say the illustrations add to the story.  Teaching children about Jesus as well as why we believe and what we believe is our job as parents.  This lovely book makes our job easier and well, it is an absolute delight to read.  I would also recommend this book to any adult no matter how long they have been a disciple of Christ…it’s that good! 

 

Museum ABC by the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a fun way to teach letters, and phonics and look at really good art at the same time! This is an excellent prereading book and teaching children their letters and beginning sounds can be a little dreary.  With this book, the artwork sings and makes the process of teaching your child to read much more entertaining and enjoyable! 

 

A Place To Hang The Moon by Kate Albus’ first book.  I can hardly believe she has not written before.  This ingenious book is a delight to read, I literally could not put it down and read it all in one sitting.  It has all the things I find interesting in a book, history, humanity, and a librarian as the heroine!  This heartwarming book would make a fantastic family read-aloud or 3rd-grade on-up reader.  Just writing this review makes me want to pull it off the shelf and reread it all again! 

 

Finances 

Managing Money God’s Way by Randy Alcorn is hands down the best book on money I have ever read.  I am astonished I did not find this book earlier! A must-read for every Christian! 

 

Cookbook

It’s Always Freezer Season: How to Freeze Like a Chef with 100 Make-Ahead Recipes by Ashley Christensen and Kaitlyn Goalen  All I can say about this book is YUM!  The recipes are delicious and this is a practical book with in-depth instructions.  I learned a lot and I now have my freezer stocked with delicious food and my life is a lot easier! 

 

Home Decor 

Home Stories: Design Ideas for Making a House a Home by Kim Leggett is chocked full of design ideas for your home!  I found myself studying the interesting details of every room in the book and the words were educational too, which is not something you find in a decor book all that often.  You are going to love this one and you may want to check out Kim’s first book too! 

 

Enjoy and please check out the other Simple Short Christian Book Reviews

 

Blessings,

 

*This post may contain affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Peaceful Haven! 

Janelle Esker

Janelle Esker is the grateful wife of Michael and homeschooling mother of six amazing children. She lives with her family, 4 cats, 1 dog, 3 ducks and 12 chickens in scenic Ohio. Janelle received her B.A. in Education from Ohio Northern University. She is the author of CHOSEN: One Family's Journey with Autism.

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2 Comments

  1. Great book recommendations, thanks!

    1. Hi Jill,
      Happy reading and I am so happy you found the book reviews helpful!

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